STAMPS: Reflect our nation's heroes

The U.S. Postal Service has issued commemorative stamps to honor World War II veterans who have been awarded the Medal of Honor for courage under battlefield conditions (enemy fire) during World War II. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for bravery awarded by the United States.

The Medal of Honor is awarded “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty.”

Sixteen million veterans served the USA during World War II. Only 464 Medals of Honor were awarded for World War II.

Page one of the commemorative stamp booklet shows photographs of 12 Medal of Honor recipients arranged in a square. Centered in the square are two of the stamps: One stamp shows the U.S. Navy Medal, the other shows the U.S. Army medal. The Air Force did not become a separate service until 1947, and prior to becoming a separate service they were part of the U.S. Army.

Turn the page and you will see a complete alphabetical listing of all World War II Medal of Honor recipients. Turn the page and you will find 18 additional stamps, a total of 20 for the booklet.

Each of our grandchildren will receive one of these commemorative stamp booklets, and one booklet will remain on my desk.

Special thanks to the U.S. Postal Service for these stamps.

God Bless!

GRAHAM CRUTCHFIELD

Hayden